A collaborative effort between Classroom Central, Communities In Schools, and WSOC-TV and its Family Focus Partners

Charlotte, NC – In Mecklenburg County, more than half of all students are economically disadvantaged; many of these students will show up on the first day of school empty-handed. Children living in poverty have many obstacles to overcome; not having school supplies shouldn’t be one of them.

For more than 15 years, the School Tools Campaign has been the region’s largest coordinated school supply drive, operating in Mecklenburg and 20 surrounding counties throughout the month of August to provide school supplies to thousands of the region’s neediest students.Last year in Mecklenburg County alone, more than 472,000 school supplies were collected during the Campaign, benefiting approximately 40,000 students.

School Tools is a collaborative effort between founding partners WSOC-TV and Communities In Schools, and Classroom Central, which joined the campaign in 2005. It involves months of planning and coordination between the primary partners and dozens of other partners throughout the 21 participating counties prior to the August 1 kick-off, including critical logistical support from the N.C. National Guard and the U.S. Post Office. The success of the campaign also relies heavily on the generous support of individuals, groups, and businesses willing to host their own School Tools collection drives.

Below are the ways that individuals and groups/businesses can support the School Tools Campaign:

IndividualsDonations can be dropped off at area Ashley Furniture HomeStore locations,Hendrick Honda in Charlotte and BB&T branches or at Classroom Central, 2116 Wilkinson Boulevard. Call 704.377.1740, ext. 414.

Donate OnlineIndividuals can contribute monetary donations to their county and organization of choice online at www.school-tools.org

Postal Collection Day - Saturday, August 20One of the most convenient ways for individuals to donate supplies is by leaving new school supplies at their mailboxes on Saturday, August 20 for their letter carrier to pick up. A complete list of participating zip codes can be found on the School Tools page at www.wsoctv.com/family

BusinessesGroups/Businesses interested in hosting a School Tools drive at their workplace or designated location may contact Sarah Porter with Classroom Central for more information, 704.377.1740, ext. 414 or sarah@classroomcentral.org.and Organizations

VolunteersVolunteers are needed to help sort the supplies and stock Classroom Central’s Free Store. Those interested in volunteering should contact Sarah Porter with Classroom Central, 704.377.1740, ext. 414 or sarah@classroomcentral.org.

Distribution of School SuppliesSupplies are distributed at the schools to students in need after the school year begins. Parents should speak to the child’s teacher or guidance counselor, or call the School Tools Information Line at 1-800-842-7268.

WSOC-TV Special CollectionsWSOC-TV Channel 9’s Family Focus Partners, Ashley Furniture HomeStore, BB&T, and Hendrick Honda, provide major financial support to help promote School Tools and have collection barrels located in their lobby areas where customers can donate school supplies throughout the month of August.

WSOC-TV will be broadcasting live at the locations listed below. Individuals are encouraged to come out, donate supplies and meet WSOC-TV personalities. Please visit the School Tools page at www.wsoctv.com/family for event details.